MARTIN MCNAIR FROM STROUD ESCAPES JAIL AFTER GUILTY PLEA IN SEXUAL ASSAULT CASE

In December 2019, a distressing case involving a man from Stroud who committed a serious sexual offence against a young girl was brought before Gloucester Crown Court. Martin McNair, aged 23, faced charges related to the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl, an incident that occurred in 2017. Despite the gravity of the offence, McNair was spared immediate imprisonment due to significant delays in the legal process.

During the court proceedings on Monday, December 9, Judge Ian Lawrie QC expressed his frustration over the prolonged timeline of the case. He stated that if the case had been brought to court more swiftly, McNair would have received a two-year jail sentence. However, due to administrative and legal delays that extended over two years, the judge decided to suspend the sentence, allowing McNair to walk free from the courtroom.

McNair, who resides on Mathews Way in Paganhill, Stroud, had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a girl under the age of 13. The court heard that he was aware of her age at the time of the offence. Judge Lawrie criticized the delays, remarking, “McNair-Templeton should be given a custodial sentence for these offences. However, sentencing is somewhat undermined when it takes this long to get to court.”

Addressing McNair directly, the judge added, “If you had been dealt with speedily two years ago I would have no hesitation in sending you to prison. You took advantage of a young girl. You were oblivious to the emotional damage you have caused her.” Despite acknowledging the delay, Judge Lawrie also expressed concern for McNair’s well-being, suggesting that he might be vulnerable if sent to prison.

Prosecutor Christopher Smyth provided details of the case, revealing that McNair initially denied the offence. It was only during a jury trial in October that he changed his plea to guilty. The prosecutor explained that the victim, a 13-year-old girl, was out with friends when she began to feel unwell after smoking weed. She encountered McNair for the first time that day, and he expressed affection towards her, eventually taking her back to his flat. The girl recounted in her statement that she wanted to sleep, but McNair began to kiss her and, despite her protests, removed her clothes and raped her.

The girl described her panic as she realized what was happening, noting that her phone was ringing as she tried to leave. She felt faint and repeatedly told McNair she needed to go, but he persisted in asking for sex. After the assault, she managed to escape and informed someone the following day, leading to police involvement.

Judge Lawrie emphasized that McNair was aware of the girl’s age but still exploited her vulnerability. As a result, he sentenced McNair to two years in prison, but this was suspended for two years. The court also mandated that McNair complete 60 days of rehabilitation activities and attend monthly judicial reviews. Additionally, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed, restricting his contact with minors, and he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140.

Concluding his remarks, Judge Lawrie stressed the importance of respecting women, regardless of their age, and urged McNair to reflect on his actions and the harm caused.